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Do What I Can Lyrics
Oh lady don't you worry
I'm just in a flurry now
But the wind is picking up now
And the new newspapers all over town
And I say what's on my mind
From here on out
And I am fine
Okay yeah
Sure Jim is a friend of mine
But he is running out of time
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
Dad whatever you have
I'm sure it's living in me
Cause I'm convinced
That all of this has been the best for me
And I say what's on my mind
Most of the time
And I am fine
Okay yeah
I could barely walk a mile
But I am running now
Running now
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can
I know you've thought
About everything you could have done
I know your home
Is on fire with the things you've done wrong
Cause I live there too
Yeah I live there too
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can
I'm just in a flurry now
But the wind is picking up now
And the new newspapers all over town
From here on out
And I am fine
Sure Jim is a friend of mine
But he is running out of time
I'll do what I can for you here
I'm sure it's living in me
Cause I'm convinced
That all of this has been the best for me
Most of the time
And I am fine
I could barely walk a mile
But I am running now
Running now
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can
About everything you could have done
I know your home
Is on fire with the things you've done wrong
Cause I live there too
Yeah I live there too
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can for you here
I'll do what I can
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Although the song seems to be about "Dad" (Jim?), it reminds me of one of my dear friends. We've had more than our share of fights, but it turns out for the better. And I would do most anything for him. Ironically, his given name is James, of which Jim is a nickname.
I can't say how many times I have told him (though not followed through) that I wasn't going to just take whatever lying down...that "I say what's on my mind."
Anyhow. Besides, this great song needed a comment.
greg said he wrote this song to his parents to let them know that he was doing okay.
It is a shame Greg's music has been relegated to the TV soundtrack sub-genera as his first record shows he has the potential to be so much more. Do What I Can hits home hard and often ends up on repeat because of the way it makes me feel.
I don't see anything mysterious here: The "lady" is his mom and "Jim" is his dad. The first verse comforts her and the second comforts him. The bridge puts them all in the same boat.
I adore this song and any other budding adult male who has come to terms with his parents and his own screwed up past feels the same way I am sure. I met Greg when he played in Austin last year - very humble man.